South Africa: strong reactions after the arrest of two Gupta brothers

Businessman Atul Gupta, here in 2013 near Pretoria in South Africa.

HO / EYEWITNESS NEWS (EWN) / AFP

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The arrest of two of the Gupta brothers, suspects in a vast corruption scandal linked to former President Jacob Zuma, had the effect of a real earthquake in the country.

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The announcement fell on Monday evening:

Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested in Dubai

, where they had fled 4 years ago.

The 2 businessmen are personal friends of the former president, they are accused of having infiltrated the top of the governing bodies and of having looted the coffers of the State with the help of Jacob Zuma.

The announcement of their arrest provoked many reactions in the country.

Opposition, civil society and former magistrates… all reacted and rejoiced at “

a victory for justice and one more step in the fight against corruption

 ”.

South African justice has been trying for years to get hold of these men, who bought Jacob Zuma with bribes.

But today, the specialists temper because the two suspects were arrested in the context of a small case: a dubious contract of 1.5 million euros with the provincial government.

The trial is due to start in September.

"

Pandora's Box

"

This is nothing compared to what the two brothers are suspected of, ie

the looting of public companies

during the 9 years that President Zuma was in power.

And finally, we will have to obtain the extradition of the 2 men detained in the United Arab Emirates.

It could take years.

“ 

The Gupta lawyers are already in Dubai, at work 

,” warned the director of an anti-corruption NGO on Wednesday.

They will appeal and have a large network.

And finally, “ 

we will also have to be careful of possible political interference.

The appearance of these two suspects will open Pandora's box 

,” warns the director.

There are certainly South African businessmen and politicians who have no interest in the Guptas testifying in court.

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  • South Africa

  • Corruption